The Crucial Role of DEI in Education and Healthcare
Submitted by Maureen Kroning, EdD, RN
Tags: diversity education healthcare education Nurse Education
Racial disparities in health and education continue to pose significant challenges to the physical and financial well-being of our nation. Addressing these challenges requires embracing evidence- based solutions provided by Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, while also standing firm against efforts to undermine them.
The U.S. population is becoming increasingly diverse. This demographic shift underscores the urgent need for culturally and linguistically competent healthcare professionals and educators from diverse backgrounds. As the nation continues to diversify, professional organizations are committed to diversifying the healthcare workforce to ensure the next generation of professionals is prepared to deliver culturally competent care to patients from all backgrounds. Incorporating DEI education becomes vital for preparing a workforce equipped to improve health outcomes for the communities they serve.
As both a Dean of Nursing and a former Nurse Supervisor, I have seen firsthand how DEI initiatives can transform lives, institutions, and communities. DEI is not just an ethical imperative; it is a cornerstone for achieving excellence and equity in both education and healthcare. By promoting cultural competence and addressing systemic inequalities, DEI initiatives can ensure we meet the educational and health needs of our increasingly diverse
society. The outcomes are clear: improved patient health, expanded job opportunities, enhanced innovation and problem-solving, better educational outcomes, reduced poverty, and a more equitable society.
DEI in Education: Preparing for a Globalized World
Education is the foundation of opportunity, and incorporating DEI into educational systems ensures that all students have access to quality learning environments and can expand their worldview. DEI initiatives in education enhance understanding, empathy, and critical thinking by exposing students to diverse perspectives and experiences. They prepare students to thrive in a globalized workforce by fostering cultural competence and facilitating cross-cultural
interactions.
In education, we have embraced DEI by implementing programs that address disparities and promote inclusivity. For example, mentorship initiatives and cultural humility training equip both faculty and students to recognize and address biases. These efforts not only improve educational outcomes but also empower graduates to enter the workforce as culturally competent professionals ready to make meaningful contributions.
Moreover, DEI programs have been proven to close achievement gaps and increase personal growth. By addressing systemic barriers, we create pathways to higher education for underrepresented groups, ensuring a more diverse and equitable society. In doing so, we not only uplift individuals but also strengthen our communities by expanding job growth and increasing income opportunities, thereby reducing poverty. Risha Grant, an award-winning DEI speaker and expert from Tulsa, Oklahoma, emphasizes that a robust focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion fosters a workplace culture where employees feel confident being their authentic selves and contributing innovative ideas shaped by their unique experiences. She stresses that without DEI, creating a positive company culture is impossible (Gonzales, 2022).
DEI in Healthcare: Better Outcomes for All
In healthcare, DEI is indispensable. Research consistently shows that culturally sensitive care improves patient health outcomes. According to Deloitte Insights (Davis et al., 2022):
- The healthcare sector faces mounting pressure to lower costs while improving the quality of care.
- Persistent health inequities significantly affect both health outcomes and overall spending.
- Health disparities contribute to around $320 billion in annual healthcare costs.
- Health disparities highlight a critical and unsustainable issue for the healthcare industry.
- If healthcare disparities remain unaddressed, the cost will surpass $1 trillion by 2040, significantly affecting the affordability, quality, and accessibility of care.
- Health disparities result in approximately $42 billion in lost productivity annually, excluding the additional economic impact of premature deaths.
- These disparities have profound effects on the quality and value of life for individuals, families, and communities who are most affected.
When healthcare providers understand and respect the cultural backgrounds and needs of their patients, communication improves, leading to better diagnoses, adherence to treatment plans, and overall satisfaction. According to the American Hospital Association (2020), hospitals and health systems are deeply committed to tackling inequities and minimizing disparities within their communities by employing a range of strategies. These strategies include using a dashboard to guide the collection, stratification, and utilization of race, ethnicity, and language (REaL) preference data; implementing cultural competency training; enhancing diversity and inclusion in governance and leadership roles; and developing strong community partnerships.
Cultural competence and humility-hallmarks of DEI-are critical for addressing health disparities. These disparities often stem from social determinants of health, such as economic stability, education access, and neighborhood conditions. By addressing these determinants through DEI initiatives, we can create a more equitable healthcare system that provides high- quality care for all, regardless of background.
Healthcare institutions can prioritize DEI by providing staff training, mentoring programs, and resources to address implicit biases. At the University, our nursing and allied health programs emphasize these principles, ensuring that graduates are equipped to provide equitable care and advocate for systemic changes that benefit underserved populations.
The Interconnectedness of Education and Healthcare
The link between education and healthcare is undeniable. Both fields benefit from DEI initiatives that promote cultural competence and bias awareness. When educational institutions prioritize DEI, they produce professionals who are not only academically prepared but also socially and culturally equipped to meet the needs of diverse communities. These professionals then enter the healthcare workforce, where their skills directly contribute to better patient outcomes and more equitable systems.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
To fully realize the potential of DEI in education and healthcare, we must commit to sustained action. This includes implementing comprehensive DEI curricula, supporting faculty and staff through ongoing training, and continuously evaluating and refining our approaches. Institutions must also engage with communities to understand their unique needs and collaborate on solutions that drive systemic change. According to the Director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Collins, "NIH has a major role in identifying interventions and causes of health disparities. If we can chip away at health disparities, everyone can experience the better health
they deserve. Using the tools of research and our creativity to address our task, we have a moral responsibility to address health disparities" (p.3).
In summary, DEI initiatives benefit society by improving healthcare outcomes, expanding opportunities for individuals, addressing economic disparities, and promoting a more inclusive and just society. These efforts lead to a more equitable environment, better health, and enhanced overall well-being for everyone.
By embracing DEI, we are not just addressing disparities; we are building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable society. As educators, healthcare professionals, and leaders, it is our responsibility to lead this charge and ensure that no one is left behind. Together, we can create a future where everyone can thrive.
References
- American Hospital Association. (2020). Inclusion dashboard. Retrieved from ifdhe-inclusion- dashboard-FINAL.pdf
- Davis, A., FSA, MAAA, et al. (2022). US health care can't afford health inequities. Deloitte Insights. Retrieved from https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/health- care/economic-cost-of-health-disparities.html
- Gonzales, M. (2022). The relationship between culture and DE&I. SHRM. Retrieved from The Relationship Between Culture and DE&I
- National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. (2021). NIMHD strategic plan 2021-2025: Breaking the cycle of health disparities. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/docs/nimhd-strategic-plan-2021-2025.pdf